So when it came time to choose an Eagle Scout project, Fine elected to clean up and install work tables and benches at the American Labor Museum – also known as the Botto House – in Haledon.
“There was a labor law protest there in the 1930s,” said Fine, 18.
Working for Chef Central and with a desire to be a chef, “I kind of understand why they were fighting," he said.
Fellow scout Mitchell Wensell also provided inspiration, building herb garden boxes at the Botto House for his Eagle project.
Through that, “I saw what the Botto House was all about,” said Fine, a 2016 Fair Lawn High School graduate. “It was very interesting and they needed some help.”
Over a two-day period, Fine and more than a dozen others built and installed the benches.
“We had a bunch of scouts and scout leaders that brought equipment,” Fine said.
Supplies were bought through donations from friends and family, he added.
“It was very fulfilling,” Fine said. “When the final product was done, everyone said it was a great job. Everyone was very thrilled.”
Fine will be honored at an Aug. 21 ceremony at The Grange in Fair Lawn.
This fall, he’ll be attending Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island for culinary arts.
Fine said he plans to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in business or hospitality.
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